by David K. Holmes, Exec. Vice President & Chief Legacy Officer • 4 minutes
Twenty-five years hence, out there over the horizon, the world may look significantly different from now. The widespread use of artificial intelligence, seismic geopolitical repositioning, and global economic and trade reformation are all possible. Additionally, in 2050, socialist progressivism will no doubt continue to attack its principal archenemies – religious faith and the church – and attempt to reshape American culture into a pernicious Marxist stew. These despots have done it before, and no doubt will try it again.
Sadly, then, in the coming years, religious discrimination will still haunt us, and your kids and grandkids will pay the price. The Old Testament is replete with wars fueled by fetid, devilish prejudices and hatred for one tribe or another, and modern times are no better. Look no further than the recent rise in Anti-Semitism here and the unfettered corporate hatred of Christians in the workplace, on the street, against places of worship, in the military, and on college and school campuses. However, there is hope.
We serve a mighty God who has given us the capacity to fight the good fight and to do what is right. First Liberty is in this fight for freedom, and we labor each day to deliver our “value proposition” of hope to the community of believers. Hope is essential for humankind, and I am writing this article to introduce you to a way you can participate in delivering hope to the faithful into the year 2050.
First, let’s start with an important question. Will First Liberty (FLI) even exist in the year 2050 to fight the coming waves of religious oppression? That’s the challenge we face. We plan to be around, but much is dependent upon those who will provide the financial resources necessary at that time to withstand the onslaught and allow First Liberty to fight for what is right.
As a former Wall Street managing director, I scrutinized many different business models and how firms should operate in both the short and long term. Investors require companies to run their affairs prudently and with a view toward the competitive landscape confronting them in the out-years. The same should be true for non-profit enterprises like FLI. Until recently, I was the Chief Operating and Financial Officer here (for almost 13 years), but now I have been asked to focus totally on the critical 2050 question.
We have always tried to run FLI with a steward’s heart, keenly aware that the resources we receive come from the Lord through you. He has provisioned us well to fight this righteous fight in the here and now, and your responsiveness to His calling has made all the difference in the world. Nine Supreme Court victories in the last 10 years! And hopefully more this year and next. So, I believe FLI offers not only hope, but the highest return available on your religious liberty investment.
Each year, we rely upon generous donors to fund our current operations. Beginning every July 1st, we restart our fiscal year and must re-earn each donor’s investment for the coming 12 months. That is good and proper. However, it is also prudent to simultaneously take the longer view. Our legal cases often last five to eight years or more, and matching our funding with such extended case longevity is always on my mind. To this point, we do not have endowments, nor do we have other long-term funding vehicles stored up for our over-the-horizon needs. Thankfully, there are several simple solutions available to those who want to help us meet this mismatch in funding.
First, by naming First Liberty as a beneficiary in your will, you can ensure that FLI has the financial resources to carry on at some distant date. Additionally, insurance policies, low-cost basis stock, and unneeded retirement assets can provide tax-efficient ways of funding First Liberty in the long term. If you go to www.firstlibertylegacy.org, you will find basic information about these strategies and how to name us as a beneficiary in your will. Then, if you decide we are a good investment for the future, please e-mail me at wills@firstliberty.org. It’s quite easy, takes little time, and it could mean so much to religious liberty in the 2050 version of America.
So, today I am asking just 200 of you to consider the challenge question. Will you become a long-term warrior by naming us in your will, insurance policy, or long-dated charitable trust? If so, with your agreement, we will recognize you as such and place your name on the Liberty Warriors Roll of Honor. (You may opt out, if you wish.)
The information you provide allows First Liberty to have a general idea of the magnitude of future gifts from donors. Such a notification is not a contract; hence, your intentions are not binding in either terms or amount, and they can be changed at any time without even notifying us that you changed your mind.
You could be the answer for FLI, and for your heirs, in the year 2050, when we will still need you for those over-the-horizon challenges. To quote an iconic song, thanks for being our “Bridge Over Troubled Waters.” We don’t need that many of you to sign up to this initial 2050 challenge, but it starts with you. Thank you for your prayerful support.
Disclaimer: This article does not provide individualized tax or legal advice. This article is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon, for tax or legal advice. You should consult your own tax and legal advisors before engaging in estate planning.
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